Post on 19-Aug-2019
Surgical Technique
for Transforaminal Lumbar
Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
Lumbar Interbody System
An adaption of the posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) procedure, the
TLIF technique employs a unilateral approach to the discspace through the
intervertebral foramen. Requiring only a partial unilateral facet resection, the
TLIF procedure when compared to a PLIF:
Preserves the laminar arch and contralateral facet
• Avoids bilateral scarring
• Avoids significant dural retraction which may reduce the risk of
intraoperative dural tears
• Offers a revision strategy that may not exist with a PLIF
due to bilateral scarring
The unique unilateral TLIF approach requires specific
implants and instrumentation to facilitate thorough
disc space preparation and accurate cage
placement.
The technique herein describes the use of the
CONCORDE® Bullet. The key feature of the
CONCORDE Bullet interbody cage is the bulleted
nose for ease of insertion into the interbody space.
Manufactured from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer
(CFRP), CONCORDE Bullet offers optimised area for
bone graft and tantalum markers also allow you to visualise
the position of the cage insitu. CONCORDE Bullet is designed for
surgeons who prefer a straight, oblique placement of the implant and is
intended to be used with supplementary posterior instrumentation.
i n t r o d u c t i o n
c o n S u L t i n G S u r G E o n
William Horton, M.D.
Professor Emeritus of Orthopedic Surgery
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
1
c o n t E n t S
introduction 1
SURGICAL TECHNIqUE 2
STEP 1: PEDICLE SCREW INSERTION 2
STEP 2: FACETECTOMy AND WORkING ZONE PREPARATION 3
STEP 3: ANNULOTOMy AND INIT IAL DISC DISSECTION 5
STEP 4: INIT IAL DISTRACTION AND PREPARATION OF DISC SPACE 6
STEP 5: F INAL DISC PREPARATION AND ENDPLATE CLEANING 7
STEP 6: DECORTICATION AND PLACEMENT OF BONE GRAFT 9
STEP 7: CAGE TRIALING 10
STEP 8: CAGE INSERTION – CONCORDE BULLET 11
STEP 9: IMPLANT ORIENTATION FOR LORDOTIC CONCORDE BULLET 11
STEP 10: F INAL COMPRESSION 12
STEP 11: VERIF ICATION OF F INAL CAGE PLACEMENT 12
rEviSion inStructionS 13
concordE BuLLEt Product cataLoG 14
2
StEP 1: PEdicLE ScrEw inSErtion
| F i G u r E 1
Pedicle screws can be placed either before or after the interbody
reconstruction. It is often advantageous to have screws as a distraction point
during the procedure. Many surgeons place screws before the spinal canal is
exposed. If placing screws is done after the facetectomy as shown (Figure 1),
take extra care to avoid dural injury during the placement of guide wires,
taps or screws.
Identify pedicle insertion points. The optimal insertion point is at the
intersection of the transverse process and pars interarticularis. Consult the
EXPEDIUM® Spinal System Surgical Technique or VIPER® 2 System Guide for
additional details on pedicle screw insertion.
Lumbar Interbody System
3
S u r g i c a l T e c h n i q u e
StEP 2: FacEtEctomy and workinG ZonE PrEParation (L5/S1)
In order to gain transforaminal access to the disc space,
a unilateral facetectomy is performed. The side chosen for the approach
is often determined by the location of the pathology or the presence of
scar tissue. Resect the ligamentum flavum from the anterior surface of the
lamina with a curette. The inferior lamina of L5 can be removed by a kerrison
rongeur illustrated by the dotted line of Figure 2 to improve access to the
ligamentum flavum.
Resect the inferior articular process of L5 with a straight osteotome or a
kerrison (Figure 3). The osteotomy exits laterally just below the L5 pedicle.
The lateral capsular part of the ligamentum flavum is now visible and can be
resected. Unless the pathology mandates excessive spinous process removal,
it is recommended to preserve it as a place for the intervertebral distraction
should it be required at a later time.
| F i G u r E 2
| F i G u r E 3
4
Resect the superior articular process of S1 with a straight osteotome or a
kerrison while protecting the traversing nerve root to expose the intervertebral
foramen (Figure 4).
Expose the medial and cephalad margin of the S1 pedicle by removing the
overhanging superior articular process with a kerrison punch to gain final
exposure of the L5/S1 disc. Complete thorough hemostasis over the exposed
disc space with the use of bipolar cautery (Figure 5). It is essential at this point
to have a dry exposure of the floor of the spinal canal before proceeding into
the disc space.
| F i G u r E 4
| F i G u r E 5
Lumbar Interbody System
5
S u r g i c a l T e c h n i q u e
StEP 3: annuLotomy and initiaL diSc diSSEction
Perform a box annulotomy to create a window into the disc space
(Figure 7). After the box annulotomy, a pituitary rongeur is used to initially
remove loose nuclear tissue in order to clear an initial space for the
distractors (Figure 8).
Care should be taken to gently retract and protect the exiting L5 nerve root
and lateral part of the central dural sac. A dissector or nerve root retractor
is used to ensure the protection of these structures at every step of the
procedure (Figure 6).
| F i G u r E 6
| F i G u r E 7 | F i G u r E 8
6
StEP 4: initiaL diStraction and PrEParation oF diSc SPacE
| F i G u r E 1 0 | F i G u r E 1 1
Initial distraction of the disc space is necessary in
order to access the disc for a thorough discectomy
which is required for good fusion preparation and
orientation for optimal cage insertion.
Distraction can be achieved using one of the
following methods
• Distraction between pedicle screws
• Distraction between the spinous process
Use of a starter dilator (8 mm) or a disc spreader
from the disc preparation set as pictured in
Figure 9.
| F i G u r E 9
After the initial removal of disc tissue, a starter dilator (8 mm) or a spreader from the disc preparation set is inserted horizontally
into a collapsed disc space and then rotated 90° to achieve distraction (Figure 10 and 11). Ideally once distraction is complete, the
end plates are parallel (Figure 11) in order to maximise the posterior opening of the disc space to allow optimal access for disc
preparation and reconstruction.
Lumbar Interbody System
7
S u r g i c a l T e c h n i q u e
StEP 5: FinaL diSc PrEParation and EndPLatE cLEaninG
| F i G u r E 1 3
The final discetomy is performed using a combination of curettes,
osteotomes, rongeurs and shavers (Figure 13). Care should be taken
to maintain the integrity of the endplates and to protect the dura with
appropriate retractors wherever instruments are passed in and out of the disc
space. Once the initial central portion of the disc has been removed, there is
improved visualisation of the orientation of the endplates.
Once distraction is obtained, the opening of the disc space can be
maintained with either a temporary rod or the use of a laminar spreader
between the spinous processes (Figure 12). | F i G u r E 1 2
8
An osteotome can be used to remove the posterior lip of either vertebral
body flush to the endplates to optimise visualisation and access for the
anterior contralateral aspect of the disc (Figure 14). The resection of the
posterior lip will also provide a smooth path for insertion of the cage. It
is important that a flat, parallel surface is achieved in preparation for the
insertion of the interbody device.
NOTE: Care should be taken to preserve the
integrity of the endplates when resecting the
posterior lips.
In order to ensure the disc material is removed from the contralateral
posterior corner of the disc space, an offset down-biting curette can be used
(Figure 15).
| F i G u r E 1 4
| F i G u r E 1 5
Lumbar Interbody System
9
S u r g i c a l T e c h n i q u e
A curette or a rasp can be used in a scraping
fashion to separate and remove any remaining
disc and cartilage from the bony endplates.
Straight or angled rongeurs are utilised to remove
any remaining loose disc material.
A variety of straight, angled, and offset cup,
ring, and down biting curettes are available from
the disc preparation set to facilitate further disc
removal. Double angled cup curettes (left and
right) can also be utilised to remove disc material
from the contralateral side of the disc space; these
will specifically address the inferior and superior
endplates (Figure 16).
StEP 6: dEcortication and PLacEmEnt oF BonE GraFt
| F i G u r E 1 6
| F i G u r E 1 7
Final decortication is done with sharp curettes
and osteotomes and should be deep enough to
stimulate punctate endplate bleeding.
In order to achieve a solid interbody fusion,
the disc space should be filled with as much
bone graft as possible. Fill the anterior third and
contra-lateral side of the disc space with bone
graft using a variety of straight and curved bone
tamps from the disc preparation set (Figure 17).
The quality of the disc preparation and endplate
decortication is as important as the volume of the
graft inserted.
10
StEP 7: caGE triaLinG
Trialing to aid in correct selection of the implant is extremely important.
A cage trial should be used prior to insertion of the implant to evaluate
potential cage placement and determine the optimal implant fit (Figure 18).
Lateral fluoroscopy may be useful in analysing disc orientation and ultimate
desired lordosis.
The cage trials match the parallel or lordotic configurations available with
CONCORDE Bullet Implants.
Trials are sized to match the overall height of the corresponding implant,
including the teeth of the implant.
| F i G u r E 1 8
Lumbar Interbody System
11
S u r g i c a l T e c h n i q u e
Orientation Marker
posterior
anterior
| F i G u r E 1 9 : c o n c o r d E B u L L E t
Align threaded hole of cage with threaded tip. Tighten the knob clockwise
until cage is secure. Take care not to cross thread or overtighten the inserter
(Figure 19).
CONCORDE Bullet implants should only be used with the CONCORDE Bullet
inserters (2879-01-000 or 2879-01-009).
In order to provide the desired 5 degrees of lordotic angulation, confirm that
the orientation marker is located on the poster-medial side of the implant
before insertion (Figure 20).Once the implant is loaded on to the inserter,
pack the cage with bone graft using the filler block.
It is important to protect the central dura and traversing and exiting nerve
roots during insertion and manipulation of the implant.
Excessive torque or impaction force, when applied to long-handled insertion
tools, can cause splitting or fracture of implants.
StEP 9: imPLant oriEntation For Lordotic concordE BuLLEt
| F i G u r E 2 0
StEP 8: caGE inSErtion – concordE BuLLEt
12
StEP 10: FinaL comPrESSion
StEP 11: vEriFication oF FinaL caGE PLacEmEnt – concordE BuLLEt
The appropriate length pre-cut, prelordosed rod is selected to match the lordosis of the patient’s spine. Rods are seated into the
screw heads and active compression is applied to the EXPEDIUM Screw System. To achieve this, tighten either the caudal or cranial set
screws to securely lock one end of the rod in place and provide an anchor point for the compression. With the remaining set screw
loosened, use the compressor to perform final compression. Lock the compression in place by tightening the remaining set screw. The
same maneuver can then be repeated on the contralateral side. Following compression, normal segmental lordosis and foraminal
height should be maintained.
Confirm that the rod does not impinge on the adjacent facets. Once desired lordosis of the segment and positioning of the implant is
confirmed, revisit all screws for final tightening.
An X-ray should be taken to verify final cage placement.
The appearance of three tantalum beads will identify the position of the CONCORDE Bullet cage in the sagittal, coronal and
axial planes.
Lumbar Interbody System
13
S u r g i c a l T e c h n i q u e
rEviSion inStructionS
In the event of a revision, the cage may be removed from an anterior or posterior approach. Preoperative planning should include
scan analysis of cage orientation, the location of any embedded bone graft, and any endplate intrusion. If approaching posteriorly it is
essential to dissect and protect the exiting and traversing nerve root, especially where they may be adhesed from scar. It may be easier
to enter the canal from the contralateral side due to lack of scar tissue. However, be aware that the position of the cage may dictate
which end is easier to reach once revision annulotomy is done. Also, if approaching on the contralateral side from initial insertion, the
leading nose of the cage will not have a threaded hole for engaging the insertion device if necessary.
Once the nerves are protected, an annulotomy is made to reenter the disk space. Intervertebral distraction is essential to optimise safe
removal. Fine curettes are used to remove any fibrous tissue surrounding the cage. If large amounts of bone are present, osteotomes
are required to remove bone from the anterior and posterior walls. Once the perimeter of the cage is clear, osteotomes or chisels are
used to reestablish a cleft between the cage and endplate. Any fibrous tissue or bone passing through the cage into the endplate must
be released before removal. Overhanging osteophytes that might impede removal are also resected. Once distraction is optimised and
encasing fibrous tissue and bone excised, the cage can be grasped in the sidewalls with the removal tool and backed out. A curved
curette or the threaded insertion tool can also be used to engage the cage and provide additional removal force if necessary.
An explanted implant should never be reimplanted. Even though a device appears undamaged, it may have small defects and internal
stress patterns that may lead to early breakage. Reuse can compromise device performance and patient safety. Reuse of single-use
devices can also cause cross-contamination leading to patient infection.
W
L
14
concordE BuLLEt Product cataLoG
Product Code Description
Parallel Implants Width (mm) x Height (mm) x Length (mm)
187823107 CONCORDE Bullet Parallel, 9x7x23
187823108 CONCORDE Bullet Parallel, 9x8x23
187823109 CONCORDE Bullet Parallel, 9x9x23
187823110 CONCORDE Bullet Parallel, 9x10x23
187823111 CONCORDE Bullet Parallel, 9x11x23
187823212 CONCORDE Bullet Parallel, 11x12x23
187823213 CONCORDE Bullet Parallel, 11x13x23
187827107 CONCORDE Bullet Parallel, 9x7x27
187827108 CONCORDE Bullet Parallel, 9x8x27
187827109 CONCORDE Bullet Parallel, 9x9x27
187827110 CONCORDE Bullet Parallel, 9x10x27
187827111 CONCORDE Bullet Parallel, 9x11x27
187827212 CONCORDE Bullet Parallel,11x12x27
187827213 CONCORDE Bullet Parallel,11x13x27
Product Code Description
lordotic implants Width (mm) x height (mm) x length (mm)
187823408 CONCORDE Bullet 5° Lordotic, 9x8x23
187823409 CONCORDE Bullet 5° Lordotic, 9x9x23
187823410 CONCORDE Bullet 5° Lordotic, 9x10x23
187823411 CONCORDE Bullet 5° Lordotic, 9x11x23
187823512 CONCORDE Bullet 5° Lordotic, 11x12x23
187823513 CONCORDE Bullet 5° Lordotic, 11x13x23
187827408 CONCORDE Bullet 5° Lordotic, 9x8x27
187827409 CONCORDE Bullet 5° Lordotic, 9x9x27
187827410 CONCORDE Bullet 5° Lordotic, 9x10x27
187827411 CONCORDE Bullet 5° Lordotic, 9x11x27
187827512 CONCORDE Bullet 5° Lordotic, 11x12x27
187827513 CONCORDE Bullet 5° Lordotic, 11x13x27
Lumbar Interbody System
15
P r O D u c T c aTa l O g u e
Product Code Description
2878-04-007 CONCORDE Bullet Trial, 9x7 (Width mm x Height mm)
2878-04-008 CONCORDE Bullet Trial, 9x8 (Width mm x Height mm)
2878-04-009 CONCORDE Bullet Trial, 9x9 (Width mm x Height mm)
2878-04-010 CONCORDE Bullet Trial, 9x10 (Width mm x Height mm)
2878-04-011 CONCORDE Bullet Trial, 9x11 (Width mm x Height mm)
2878-04-012 CONCORDE Bullet Trial, 11x12 (Width mm x Height mm)
2878-04-013 CONCORDE Bullet Trial, 11x13 (Width mm x Height mm)
2864-10-019 CONCORDE Bullet In-Line Slap-Hammer
2879-01-009 CONCORDE Bayoneted Inserter, 9mm
2879-01-000 CONCORDE Straight Inserter, 9mm
2878-20-200 CONCORDE Bullet Tray
2878-20-001 CONCORDE Bullet Lid
2878-20-500 CONCORDE Bullet Caddy
CONCORDE Bayoneted Inserter
CONCORDE Straight Inserter
16
notES
Lumbar Interbody System
17
P r O D u c T c aTa l O g u e
notES
18
notES
Lumbar Interbody System
19
P r O D u c T c aTa l O g u e
notES
20
indicationS and uSaGE
cauTiOn: Federal (USA) Law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician (or properly licensed practitioner) who has appropriate training or experience.
The CONCORDE®, CONCORDE Bullet, CONCORDE Curve, COUGAR®, DEVEX®, and LEOPARD® Systems are indicated for use as intervertebral body fusion devices in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (defined as discogenic back pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies) at one or two contiguous levels of the lumbar spine (L2-S1). Patients should have six months of non-operative treatment prior to surgery. These implants are used to facilitate fusion in the lumbar spine and are placed via either a PLIF (CONCORDE, CONCORDE Bullet), TLIF (CONCORDE, CONCORDE Bullet, CONCORDE Curve, DEVEX, LEOPARD) or anterior (COUGAR) approach using autogenous bone. When used as interbody fusion devices these implants are intended for use with DePuy Spine supplemental internal fixation products.
The CONCORDE, CONCORDE Bullet, CONCORDE Curve, COUGAR, DEVEX, and LEOPARD Systems are indicated for use in the thoracolumbar spine (i.e., T1-L5) to replace a diseased vertebral body resected or excised for the treatment of tumors, to achieve anterior decompression of the spinal cord and neural tissues, and to restore the height of a collapsed vertebral body. These systems are also indicated for treating fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine. These systems are designed to restore the biomechanical integrity of the anterior, middle and posterior spinal column even in the absence of fusion for a prolonged period. When used as a vertebral body replacement device these systems are intended for use with DePuy Spine supplemental internal fixation products.
cOnTrainDicaTiOnS:
1. Use of these systems is contraindicated when there is active systemic infection, infection localized to the site of the proposed implantation, or when the patient has demonstrated allergy or foreign body sensitivity to any of the implant materials.
2. Severe osteoporosis or osteopenia may prevent adequate fixation and thus preclude the use of these or any other orthopedic implants.
3. Conditions that may place excessive stresses on bone and implants, such as severe obesity, pregnancy or degenerative diseases, are relative contraindications. The decision to use these devices in such conditions must be made by the physician taking into account the risks versus the benefits to the patient.
4. Use of these implants is relatively contraindicated in patients whose activity, mental capacity, mental illness, alcoholism, drug abuse, occupation, or lifestyle may interfere with their ability to follow postoperative restrictions and who may place undue stresses on the implant during bony healing and may be at a higher risk of implant failure.
5. Prior fusion at the level(s) to be treated.
6. Any condition not described in the Indications for Use.
WarningS: In the USA, this product has labeling limitations. See package insert for complete information.
1. cOrrecT SelecTiOn OF The iMPlanT iS eXTreMelY iMPOrTanT. The potential for satisfactory anterior column support is increased by the selection of the proper size device. While proper selection can help minimize risks, the size and shape of human bones present limitations on the size, shape and strength of implants. Internal fixation devices cannot withstand activity levels equal to those placed on normal healthy bone. No implant can be expected to withstand indefinitely the unsupported stress of full weight bearing.
2. iMPlanTS can BreaK When SuBJecTeD TO The increaSeD lOaDing aSSOciaTeD WiTh DelaYeD uniOn Or nOnuniOn. Internal fixation appliances are load-sharing devices that are used to obtain an alignment until normal healing occurs. If healing is delayed, or does not occur, the implant may eventually break due to material fatigue. The degree or success of union, loads produced by weight bearing, and activity levels will, among other conditions, dictate the longevity of the implant. Notches, scratches or bending of the implant during the course of surgery may also contribute to early failure. Patients should be fully informed of the risks of implant failure.
3. MiXing MeTalS can cauSe cOrrOSiOn. There are many forms of corrosion damage and several of these occur on metals surgically implanted in humans. General or uniform corrosion is present on all implanted metals and alloys. The rate of corrosive attack on metal implant devices is usually very low due to the presence of passive surface films. Dissimilar metals in contact, such as titanium and stainless steel, accelerate the corrosion process of stainless steel and more rapid attack occurs. The presence of corrosion often accelerates fatigue fracture of implants. The amount of metal compounds released into the body system will also increase. Internal fixation devices, such as rods, hooks, wires, etc., which come into contact with other metal objects, must be made from like or compatible metals.
PrecauTiOnS:
1. Surgical iMPlanTS MuST neVer Be reuSeD. An explanted implant should never be reimplanted. Even though a device appears undamaged, it may have small defects and internal stress patterns that may lead to early breakage. Reuse can compromise device performance and patient safety. Reuse of single use devices can also cause cross-contamination leading to patient infection.
2. correct handling of the implant is extremely important.
A. Composite Implants: Polymer/carbon-fiber implants are designed to support physiologic loads. Excessive torque, when applied to long-handle insertion tools, can cause splitting or fracture of the polymer/carbon-fiber implants. When a polymer/carbon-fiber implant is impacted or hammered into place, the broad surface of the insertion tool should be carefully seated fully against the implant. Impaction forces applied directly to a small surface of the implant could cause fracture of the implant. Split or fractured implants should be removed and replaced. Implants can break when subjected to the increased loading associated with delayed union or nonunion.
B. Metal Implants: Contouring of metal implants should only be done with proper equipment. The operating surgeon should avoid notching, scratching or reverse bending of the implants when contouring.
3. removal of Supplemental Fixation after healing. If the supplemental fixation is not removed following the completion of its intended use, any of the following complications may occur: (1) Corrosion, with localized tissue reaction or pain; (2) Migration of implant position resulting in injury; (3) Risk of additional injury from postoperative trauma; (4) Bending, loosening, and/or breakage, which could make removal impractical or difficult; (5) Pain, discomfort, or abnormal sensations due to the presence of the device; (6) Possible increased risk of infection; and (7) Bone loss due to stress shielding. The surgeon should carefully weigh the risks versus benefits when deciding whether to remove the implants. Implant removal should be followed by adequate postoperative management to avoid refracture. If, for example, the patient is older and has a low activity level, the surgeon may choose not to remove the implant thus eliminating the risks involved with a second surgery.
4. adequately instruct the Patient. Postoperative care and the patient’s ability and willingness to follow instructions are among the most important aspects of successful bone healing. The patient must be made aware of the limitations of the implants. The patient should be encouraged to ambulate to tolerance as soon as possible after surgery, and instructed to limit and restrict lifting and twisting motions and any type of sports participation until the bone is healed. The patient should understand that implants are not as strong as normal healthy bone and could loosen, bend and/or break if excessive demands are placed on it, especially in the absence of complete bone healing. Implants displaced or damaged by improper activities may experience migration and damage nerves or blood vessels.
5. cauterization near the implant: When performing cauterization around an implant, care should be taken to avoid contact with the implant.
6. Patients with Previous Surgery. Patients with previous spinal surgery at the level(s) to be treated may have different clinical outcomes compared to those without a previous surgery.
Lumbar Interbody System
Distributed in the USA by:DePuy Spine, inc.325 Paramount DriveRaynham, MA 02767USATel: +1 (800) 227 6633Fax: +1 (800) 446 0234
Authorized European Representative:DePuy international ltdSt Anthony’s RoadLeeds LS11 8DTEnglandTel: +44 (0)113 387 7800Fax: +44 (0)113 387 7890
DePuy Spine EMEA is a trading division of DePuy International Limited. Registered Office: St. Anthony’s Road, Leeds LS11 8DT, EnglandRegistered in England No. 3319712
US: IF29-20-000 11/11 RDDB/RPI
EMEA: 9087-00-000 11/11
www.depuy.com
©DePuy Spine, Inc. 2011.All rights reserved.
*For recognized manufacturer, refer to product label.
Manufactured by one of the following:
DePuy Spine, inc.325 Paramount DriveRaynham, MA 02767-0350USA
DePuy Spine SÀrlChemin Blanc 36CH-2400 Le LocleSwitzerland
Medos international SÀrlChemin Blanc 38CH-2400 Le LocleSwitzerland
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